Vitiligo/White Sports

What is vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by patches discolouration of the skin. The patches of skin affected become white and usually have sharp margins. The hair from the skin may also become white.

What are the causes of vitiligo?

The cause is typically unknown. It is believed to be due to genetic susceptibility that is triggered by an environmental factor such that an autoimmune disease. This results in the destruction of pigment cells. Risk factors include a family history of the condition or other autoimmune diseases, such as alopecia areata, hyperhidrosis.

What are the signs and symptoms of vitiligo?

A typical lesion is well defined milky white in colour often showing a variable number of white hairs. Skin texture does not change.

In many cases margins of white patch is dark. In some cases margin is inflammatory.

The number, size, shape and location of white spot varies. Common sites are – sides of ankle, knees, elbows and skin overlying the fingers and around mouth.

Onset of the lesion is usually insidious. The disease is progressive in nature and unpredictable. There is an episodic phase of rapid extension of lesions after remaining quiescent over a long period of years.

What are the types of vitiligo?

It is classified into two main types:

Segmental – are segmental meaning they mostly involve one side of the body and do not typically worsen with time.

Non-segmental – Most cases are non-segmental meaning they affect both sides and typically get worse with time.

What is the of vitiligo treatment?

There is no cure for it but several treatment are available like systemic treatment, topical steroid creams and ultraviolet light.

Immune mediators

Topical steroid creams and tacrolimus or pimecrolimus.

Phototherapy

Exposing the skin to light from UVB lamps is the most common treatment. Patient can do treatments at home with an UVB lamp or in a clinic.

Skin camouflage

Person can hide vitiligo patches with makeup or camouflage.

Intra lesional injection.

Intralesional injection, the direct delivery of medication into skin lesions. Intralesional injections are effective for a wide range of indications, are easily performed and are relatively safe. Read more…